Colleges and universities throughout the country have seen an influx in enrollment amongst African American women. Many of these women are characterized as non-traditional students. In addition to possessing non-traditional traits, these women occupy two oppressed groups in society; African Americans and females. Along with them being a part of these oppressed groups, they also face many challenges and barriers while in pursuit of higher education. This basic qualitative study explored, described, and examined through older African American female student perspectives, how personal and campus factors impact their persistence in the pursuit of higher education and steady academic progress. The sample size consisted of 8 older African American female students who possessed a minimum of two non-traditional traits. The data collection methods used in this study were semi-structured interviews, observations within the campus context, and relevant artifacts. Interview questions were open-ended and data was analyzed into emerging themes. The study concludes with the researcher's summary and discussion of the findings, implications of the study, and recommendations for further research based on the findings of this study. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]